A WOMEN'S fashion shop is closing down after more than 20 years trading in the centre of York.

A director of CMD Womenswear in Feasegate, which will close once a new business has been found to lease the property, blamed a number of factors - including high business rates and competition from out-of town shopping developments.

Paul Jackson, director of CMD Retail Ltd, said he had sought to negotiate a rent reduction, but the landlord had decided to seek another business to lease the premises, which the landlord was 'entirely entitled to do'.

"It's a shame because I have had great business in York, great staff too," Mr Jackson said.

CMD previously had an outlet in Goodramgate, but moved to Feasegate a few years ago.

While the business had been affected by general factors, such as internet shopping, he said there were specific pressures in York, claiming business rates were 'incredibly expensive', despite pleas for relief to City of York Council.

He also blamed council planners for allowing so many out-of-town shopping developments, saying these had 'whittled down' CMD's business and it no longer got as much local trade as previously.

Tom Limbert, director of Central Retail Chartered Surveyors, who are marketing the lease on the property, said the landlord had asked them to see if they could 'do better' on the rent, which he believed they would, adding: "We have got some decent interest in it already."

He said he had never heard anyone say out-of-town shopping put them off operating in central York, and believed there were fewer empty units there than previously.

A council spokesperson said: “The council recognises the importance of retail in the city centre and with partners and Make It York we’ve taken active steps to promote the city to help local businesses thrive, ensure everyone enjoys York’s unique heritage and make our city centre a better place to visit and shop.

“As a council we’ve supported the creation of a Business Improvement District (BID) for York which looks to offer businesses more of a say and the ability to decide how they might use their resources to benefit local businesses and the city’s economy. We are also committed to becoming an even more business-friendly council so we can continue to support York’s businesses and help them to grow.”

Andrew Sharp, head of business, Make It York, said: "The annual York Visitor Survey shows that shopping is in the top three key activities for York’s six million leisure visitors, spending over £130 million annually.

"York has a highly attractive city centre retail offer, with exceptional quality independents, top-name brands, as well as quality out-of-town shopping. This mix of retail is appealing to visitors and we believe the arrival of retailers such as John Lewis have added to York’s offer, delivering even more reasons to visit York."